Stolen car crashes into Branford police cruiser; 2 arrested

Updated 1:52 pm, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

BRANFORD — Three juveniles in a stolen car from New Haven crashed into a police cruiser Tuesday morning in the Indian Neck section of town, according to a press release.

Police said a resident from Soundview Heights reported at about 5 a.m. that three people were entering into cars in the area. Officers responded to the area and, as Sgt. Dominic Eula attempted to enter Indian Neck Avenue from Meadow Street, the fleeing vehicle collided with the sergeant’s cruiser, the release stated.

The sergeant was able to exit his cruiser through the passenger door and apprehend a juvenile located in the rear seat of the fleeing vehicle, police said. Two other suspects fled the area, and one was captured a short time later by the East Haven Police Department’s police dog, the release said.

Chief Kevin Halloran said the community has been plagued by car thefts and stolen items from cars over the past year. Data collection in cooperation with a number of other Shoreline communities revealed over 100 stolen cars since Jan. 1, he said.

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Media: New Haven Register

“Based on an average of $15,000 per car, the total loss is upwards of $1.5 million,” Halloran said in a statement. “Those juveniles captured this morning are repeat offenders of this type of crime and are involved with other types of serious crime,” Halloran said.

Halloran said in the release he will be collaborating with other area police chiefs to strengthen juvenile laws and to reduce the ability for serious juvenile offenders to re-offend.

Police continue to remind residents not leave their keys in their cars and to remember to lock their cars when unattended.